Dental Crowns in Finchley: The Complete Patient Guide

A dental crown is a versatile solution for several dental problems. You might need a crown if a tooth is greatly weakened by decay and a simple filling cannot restore it. They protect a tooth that has cracked or broken, keeping it intact and preventing further damage. After a root canal, a crown is typically required to protect the tooth from fracturing. For cosmetic reasons, crowns can cover severe discoloration or misshapen teeth to improve your smile. They also serve as the final component on top of a dental implant to create a full replacement tooth.

Getting a dental crown is usually a two visit process. First Visit (60-90 minutes): We numb the tooth and surrounding gum with a local anaesthetic. Then the dentist reshapes the tooth to create space for the crown. Next, we take a digital scan or impression of the prepared tooth and your bite. This scan is sent to a dental laboratory where the permanent crown is custom made, a process that takes about two weeks. Finally, we place a temporary crown to protect the tooth while you wait. Second Visit (30-45 minutes): When the permanent crown is ready, you return to our Finchley practice. We remove the temporary crown, clean the tooth, and check the fit and colour of the new crown. After making any necessary adjustments to ensure a perfect bite, we permanently cement it in place. The result looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth.

After the first appointment you might notice temporary sensitivity to hot and cold as the anaesthetic wears off. Your new crown, once permanently fitted, does not require special care beyond good oral hygiene. It is important to brush twice daily, floss once a day around the crown, and attend regular check ups. While the crown itself does not decay, the tooth underneath can. With proper care, a high quality crown lasts 10 to 15 years or longer. Red flags requiring immediate contact: call our practice during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) if the crown feels loose, you have persistent pain when biting, or a piece of the crown chips off. For emergencies outside these hours, dial 111 or visit your nearest A&E.

While crowns are often the best solution, there are alternatives depending on the situation. For less extensive damage, an inlay or onlay (also called a partial crown) can be a great option. These are more conservative because they cover only part of the tooth. If the damage is minor, a large composite filling might suffice, though it won’t provide the same level of strength and protection as a crown. If the tooth is too damaged to save, extraction followed by a replacement such as a dental implant or bridge may be more predictable in the long term. We will discuss the most suitable options for your clinical needs at your consultation.

To make an informed choice about your treatment, here are important questions to ask a provider, whether at our practice in Finchley or elsewhere: What material do you recommend for my crown and why? What is the total cost, and does it include the consultation, temporary crown, and final fitting? How long can I realistically expect this crown to last? What kind of guarantee or warranty do you offer on your crown work? How will you ensure the new crown matches the colour and shape of my natural teeth? What happens if the tooth under the crown develops a problem later on?

We are a private dental practice and do not offer NHS services. The cost of a private dental crown in London typically ranges from £650 to £1,200, depending on the material used and the complexity of the case. For example, a porcelain fused to metal crown is often less expensive than a full ceramic or zirconia crown. Our fee includes the initial assessment, tooth preparation, fitting of the temporary crown, and the final placement of your permanent crown. There are no hidden fees. We accept private dental insurance from providers like Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. A precise, written quote is provided after your initial consultation.